[TheForge] Steel Storage

[Jay Hayes]

I have a nice heavy steel storage rack that is constructed from steel 
channel. The base and backbone uprights are 8 inch channel and the arms 
are 4 inch channel. There are four of these sections spaced about six 
feet apart, with 3/8 x 1-1/2 cross braces welded between them. The arms 
are two to three feet long and are spaced about eight inches apart. 
Originally the rack was front loaded and only had short tabs on the end 
of each arm to prevent round stock from rolling off. I now have the rack 
along a wall next to the iron worker and load the rack from one end.  We 
welded some 1/2 inch rods to the top of each arm to make dividers. This 
helps keep different sizes, types, and shapes organized. Each arm holds 
a specific type of material. Heavier stock is kept on the lower part of 
the rack where it is easier to load. Most of the stock comes in standard 
twenty foot lengths. When a stick has had some material cut off it, an 
"X" is marked on the end to distinguish it from the full bars. That way 
you know which bar to grab when you need to cut some more. Anything that 
is to short for this rack (usually 5-6 feet) is stood on end in a 
vertical "short" rack. Even shorter pieces, 18 inches and under are 
stored in plastic Coke crates under the big rack. Each type of material 
has its own spot.

Steel is heavy and the weight adds up quickly. Any rack needs to be 
designed in accordance with the amount of weight that it will need to 
hold. Inadequate support can be disasterous. Stay away from wood and if 
you must use bolts make sure they are heavy enough for the job.

Jay

Mike Linn wrote:

> I went and bought $350 worth of new steel today and finally decided 
> that I need to come up with some method of storage for the 6 to 20ft 
> sticks.
>
> Because of a tree Ive only got a 20 x 10 space next to my shop where 
> Im planning on building a lean-to extension to protect my investment. 
> Steel is getting expensive and besides I get tired of having to wire 
> brush everything before use.
>
> Im looking for any ideas ya'll might have concerning steel storage. 
> I've got everything from  1/8" round to 4X4 sq tubing and everything 
> in between. Im hoping one of you has an idea that will make me slap my 
> forehead and say "why didnt I think of that".
>
> I've got a good little system for cut-offs.
> Anything under 1ft goes in a box under the band saw.
> Pieces 1ft to 3ft go on the floor crossways under the layout table.
> Items 3ft+ to 6ft go on hangers I welded to the underside of the 
> layout table frame, running long ways above the pieces on the floor.
> Anything over 6ft go outside..
>
> Any suggestions on designs for this outside steel storage.
> Id like to be able to find pieces fairly easily, have the ability to 
> segregate the various shapes, and keep it up off the ground.
>
>
> mike
>
>
>            Mike Linn
>      Artist Blacksmith
>          McCalla, AL
>        AFC Webmaster
> http://afc.abana-chapter.com
>
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